ZNF451 promotes DNA damage repair by recruiting 53BP1/MDC1 in A549 and HeLa cells / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To investigate the role of SUMO E3 ligase ZNF451 in DNA damage repair and explore the underlying mechanism in non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells and cervical cancer HeLa cells.Methods:A549 cells and HeLa cells were irradiated with γ-ray irradiation or treated with etoposide. Cell proliferation viability was detected by the cell counting kit-8 assay. Protein expression was detected by Western blot assay. DNA damage repair level was detected by DR-GFP plasmid system, and the spatial positioning was detected by immunofluorescence.Results:Etoposide decreased the expression level of ZNF451 in a dose- and time- dependent manner. After treatment with 30, 50, 80 μmol/L etoposide, the cell viability were reduced after the knockdown of ZNF451 in A549 and HeLa cells(A549: t = 27.62, 25.61, 5.32, P<0.01; HeLa: t = 30.77, 21.28, 4.18, P<0.01). Furthermore, ZNF451 was recruited at DNA damage sites. A co-localization and endogenous interaction were found between ZNF451 and γ-H2AX after the treatment of irradiation or etoposide. Moreover, the expression level of γ-H2AX was significantly increased after treatment with 30, 50, 80 μmol/L etoposide(A549: t = 6.12, 10.67, 4.68, P<0.01; HeLa: t = 7.94, 9.81, 15.12, P<0.01)and the repair efficiency of NHEJ was reduced in ZNF451 knockdown cells( t = 18.60, P<0.05). Finally, the immunofluorescence assay showed that ZNF451 was co-localizated with 53BP1 and MDC1 after irradiation or etoposide treatment. Conclusions:Knockdown of ZNF451 inhibits cell proliferation and increases the level of DNA damage in A549 and HeLa cells. ZNF451 was recruited to DNA damage sites after DSBs and participated in NHEJ repair by co-localizing with DNA damage repair factor 53BP1/MDC1.

Application study on adoptive transfusion of tolerogenic dendritic cells in promoting immune tolerance of liver transplantation in rat models / 器官移植

Objective To investigate the role of tolerogenic dendritic cell (tolDC) in inducing immune tolerance in liver transplantation. Methods Liver transplantation rat models of spontaneous tolerance [Brown Norway (BN)→Lewis, tolerance group, n=6] and acute rejection (AR) (Lewis→BN) were established. In AR rat models, tolDC transfusion was performed in the study group (tolDC group, n=6) and no intervention was given in the control group (AR group, n=6). The survival time of rats in each group was observed. The transplant liver tissues of rats were prepared for pathological examination in each group. The expression of myeloid dendritic cell (mDC) and plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) in rat peripheral blood, transplant liver, spleen and lymph nodes in each group was detected by flow cytometry. The expression levels of serum interleukin (IL)-10 and interferon (IFN)-γ in each group were measured by enzyme-linked immune absorbent assay. Results Pathological manifestations of rats in the AR group mainly included inflammatory cell infiltration and tissue structural disorder in transplant liver, and the survival time was 7-14 d. In the tolDC and tolerance groups, the transplant liver tissues were almost normal, and the longest survival time exceeded 100 d. Compared with the AR group, the expression levels of CD11+mDC in peripheral blood, transplant liver, spleen and lymph nodes of rats were significantly down-regulated in the tolerance and tolDC groups (all P < 0.05), and those of CD86 and major histocompatibility complex (MHC)Ⅱon the surface of CD11+mDC were also significantly down-regulated (all P < 0.05). Compared with the AR group, the expression levels of pDC in peripheral blood, transplant liver, spleen and lymph nodes of rats were significantly up-regulated in the tolerance and tolDC groups (all P < 0.05), whereas those of MHCⅡon the surface of pDC were all significantly down-regulated (all P < 0.05). Compared with the AR group, the expression levels of serum IL-10 were significantly up-regulated, and IFN-γ were significantly down-regulated in the tolerance and tolDC groups (all P < 0.05). Conclusions As tolDC subsets, mDC and pDC play a positive role in regulating the incidence of graft immune tolerance in rats after liver transplantation.

Pediatric bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease profile in a Brazilian General Hospital

Abstract Objective To evaluate the clinical and epidemiological profile of bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease in pediatric patients admitted to a Brazilian Secondary Public Hospital. Methods A descriptive observational study was conducted. Microbiologically proven bacterial meningitis or meningococcal disease diagnosed from 2008 to 2018 were included. Results A total of 90 patients were diagnosed with proven bacterial meningitis. There were 64 confirmed cases of meningococcal disease. The prevalence was higher in boys (n=38), median age 30 months (1-185). The main clinical manifestations were: meningococcal meningitis (n=27), meningococcemia without meningitis (n=14), association of meningococcemia with meningitis (n=13), and fever without a known source in infants (n=7).Admissions to intensive care unit were necessary for 45 patients. Three deaths were notified. Serogroup C was the most prevalent (n=32) followed by serogroup B (n=12).Pneumococcal meningitis was identified in 21 cases; out of the total, 10 were younger than two years. The identified serotypes were: 18C, 6B, 15A, 28, 7F, 12F, 15C, 19A and 14. Pneumococcal conjugate 10-valent vaccine covered four of the nine identified serotypes.Haemophilus influenzae meningitis serotype IIa was identified in three patients, median age 4 months (4-7). All of them needed intensive care. No deaths were notified. Conclusion Morbidity and mortality rates from bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease remain high, requiring hospitalization and leading to sequelae. Our study observed a reduced incidence of bacterial disease over the last decade, possibly reflecting the impact of vaccination.

Adjusted cost consumption index of major diagnosis-related group data in hospital medical performance evaluation / 中华医院管理杂志

Objective To study the calculation of the cost consumption index adjusted with major diagnostic classification (MDC), for optimal use of DRGs index in hospital performance evaluation. Methods The adjustment method of CMI value in DRGs index system was used as reference, and we compared the different cost consumption indexes(both MDC adjusted and non-adjusted) of two hospitals(S and Y) in Guangdong province. Then we compared the different rankings of 82 tertiary general hospitals in the province before and after the adjustment. Results The cost consumption index of S hospital was higher than that of Y hospital by the non-adjusted method (1.30 >1.28). But as calculated by the adjusted method,the index of S hospital was significantly lower than Y hospital (1.31 <1.38). The rankings of these 82 hospitals also showed major changes,which prove that the cost consumption index, the same as CMI,will be affected by MDC cases makeup.Conclusions The MDC adjusted cost consumption index, when applied to hospital performance evaluation, renders more stable and reasonable results. This is an evidence that the adjusted cost consumption index is of great practical value in hospital performance evaluation.

Congenital muscular dystrophy due to laminin α2 (merosin) deficiency (MDC1A) in an ethnic Malay girl

We report the first known ethnic Malay patient with laminin alpha-2 (merosin) deficiency (MDC1A), a subtype of congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD)as a result of novel LAMA2 gene mutations. The 21-month-old female presented with hypotonia at birth and gross motor delay of her distal lower limbs. Physical examination showed generalised hypotonia, hyporeflexia and myopathic facies but good cognitive functions. Serum creatine kinase was elevated and white matter changes were detected in the brain MRI. Muscle biopsy showed dystrophic changes with complete laminin α2 deficiency by immunohistochemistry. Mutation analysis of LAMA2 showed compound heterozygote at exon 21, c.2888delG(p.Gly963Alafs*111) and exon 34, c.4886dupC(p.Pro1629Profs*40) leading to premature stop codon for each of the frameshift mutations. Patient review at seven years of age showed satisfactory cognitive functions despite having contractures and weakness. Genetic testing of LAMA2 related muscular dystrophy facilitated the earlier diagnosis of MDC1A and genetic counselling for this family. MDC1A

Lentivirus mediated RNAi silence esophageal MDC1 Eca109 cell gene expression of the influence of nude mouse transplantation tumor radiosensitivity / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of inhibition of MDC1 protein expression on xenografted tumors in nude mice,and to observe the histopathological and cellular changes in nude mice.Methods Three pairs of effective and control short hairpin RNA targeting MDC1 mRNA were designed and cloned into the pSIH1-H1-copGFP vector.Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to determine the mRNA and protein expression of MDC1.After selection by copGFP reporter gene,cells were divided into negative transfection group (ECA109-N) and MDC1 transfection group (ECA109-M).The transfected cells were injected into nude mice.The mice were divided into ECA109 group,ECA109-N group,and ECA109-M group.Each group was divided into irradiation subgroup and non-irradiation subgroup.The changes in tumor size after irradiation were evaluated in each group.Western blot was used to measure the expression of CHK1,CHK2,and CHK2T68 in xenografted tumors.Flow cytometry was used to analyze the cell cycle distribution and apoptosis of tumor cells in nude mice.The variance analysis was used to compare the mean of multiple groups,and the SNK-q test was used in the two two groups.Results The pMDC1-shRNA plasmid was successfully constructed and used to transfect ECA109 cells.ECA109-M cells were obtained by stable transfection with the recombinant plasmid.All inoculated nude mice survived with visible xenografted tumors at the underside of the paw in about one week.There was no swelling and wound in inoculation sites.There was no significant difference in tumor size between different groups (P＞0.05).The tumor growth in the ECA109 group and the ECA109-N group significantly slowed down after irradiation with a dose of 15 Gy (P＜0.05).Compared with the other two groups,the ECA109-M group had a significant smaller tumor size,significantly slower relative tumor growth,and significantly higher growth inhibition (all P＜0.05).The q value of the ECA109-M group was 1.36.In the ECA109-M group,there were no significant changes in the protein expression of CHK1 and CHK2 after irradiation (P＞ 0.05);however,the phosphorylation of CHK2T68 protein was significantly reduced after irradiation (P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in cell cycle distribution or the proportion of apoptotic cells in tumor tissue between the three groups (P＞0.05).Conclusions Inhibition of MDC1 protein expression by RNA interference can effectively inhibit the growth of xenografted tumors after irradiation in the nude mice by increasing their radiosensitivity.

Effect of MCPH1 on irradiation induced DNA damage in esophageal cancer cells / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To discover the effect of MCPH1 on the DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation in esoph-ageal cancer cells.METHODS:ECA109 cancer cells were radiated at dose of 8 Gy.The nuclear foci of relevant factors were detected 1 h after irradiation in the ECA109 cells after silence of MDC1 gene.A cell line was established that was sta-ble low expression of MCPH1.The nuclear foci induced by ionizing radiation after silence of MCPH1 were determined.RE-SULTS:The MCPH1 gene silenced ECA109 cell line was successfully constructed.A strong relationship between MDC1, MCPH1 andγ-H2AX was observed 1 h after 8 Gy irradiation.Silence of MDC1 did not affect the nuclear foci formation ofγ-H2AX and MCPH1.The nuclear foci of MDC1 but notγ-H2AX significantly reduced after silencing of MCPH1.CON-CLUSION:MCPH1 is located in the downstream of H2AX and upstream formation of MDC1, and regulates the nuclear fo-ci formation of MDC1 during DNA damage response.

Dieckol, a Component of Ecklonia cava, Suppresses the Production of MDC/CCL22 via Down-Regulating STAT1 Pathway in Interferon-gamma Stimulated HaCaT Human Keratinocytes

Macrophage-derived chemokine, C-C motif chemokine 22 (MDC/CCL22), is one of the inflammatory chemokines that controls the movement of monocytes, monocyte-derived dendritic cells, and natural killer cells. Serum and skin MDC/CCL22 levels are elevated in atopic dermatitis, which suggests that the chemokines produced from keratinocytes are responsible for attracting inflammatory lymphocytes to the skin. A major signaling pathway in the interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-stimulated inflammation response involves the signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (STAT1). In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of dieckol and its possible action mechanisms in the category of skin inflammation including atopic dermatitis. Dieckol inhibited MDC/CCL22 production induced by IFN-gamma (10 ng/mL) in a dose dependent manner. Dieckol (5 and 10 muM) suppressed the phosphorylation and the nuclear translocation of STAT1. These results suggest that dieckol exhibits anti-inflammatory effect via the down-regulation of STAT1 activation.

Effect of RNA interference for MDC1 gene on cell cycle and expression of related proteins in esophageal carcinoma cells after X-ray radiation / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective To apply RNA interference technique for reducing the expression of MDC1 gene in esophageal carcinoma cell line ECA109, observe the changes in cell cycle and radiosensitivity after radiation, and discuss related mechanisms. Methods Three pairs of effective interference sequences and negative control sequences were synthesized for MDC1 mRNA sequence, and a recombinant plasmid was constructed with the vector pSIH1?H1?copGFP. RT?PCR and Western blot were used to determine the expression levels of MDC1 mRNA and protein. Colony?forming assay was applied to measure radiosensitivity, flow cytometry to determine cell cycle, Western blot to determine the expression of CHK1 and CHK2 proteins, and laser scanning confocal microscope to observe the number of MDC1 blotches inside the nucleus. One?way analysis of variance was used to analyze the differences between groups. Results The pSIH1?H1?copGFP plasmid was constructed successfully and ECA109 cells were infected to obtain ECA109M cells with stable transfection. The expression levels of MDC1 mRNA and protein in ECA109M cells were lower than those in ECA109N and ECA109 cells ( P= 0. 032 and 0. 041, respectively ) . After 5?Gy radiation, ECA109M cells had a lower proportion of G2+M cells than ECA109N and ECA109 cells ( P=0. 026) . After 5?Gy radiation, ECA109, ECA109N, and ECA109M cells had similar expression levels of CHK1 and CHK2 proteins ( P= 0. 345 and 0. 451, respectively ) , and ECA109M cells had a lower expression level of CHK2 T68 protein than ECA109 and ECA109N cells ( P=0. 012) . ECA109 cells had a D0 value of 3. 06 Gy and an SF2 value of 0. 91;the D0 values for ECA109N and ECA109M cells were 2. 90 Gy and 1. 88 Gy, respectively, and the SF2 values for them were 0. 89 and 0. 84, respectively ( P=0. 021 and 0. 037, respectively ) . Conclusions RNA interference can reduce the expression levels of MDC1 protein and cell cycle?related proteins, release cell cycle arrest, and enhance radiosensitivity in esophageal carcinoma ECA109 cells.

Dipyrone & 2,5-dimethylcelecoxib suppress Th2-related chemokine production in monocyte.

Background & objectives: Selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor is a form of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is commonly used in autoimmune and rheumatic diseases to control inflammation and alleviate pain. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production and an imbalance of T helper 1 (Th1)/Th2 contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune and also anti-tumour activity. Dipyrone is a NSAID used to treat pain worldwide. The celecoxib analogue, 2,5-dimethylcelecoxib (DMC), lacks COX-2 inhibitory activity but exhibits anti-tumour properties. However, the effects and the mechanisms of dipyrone and 2,5-dimethylcelecoxib on tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and Th1- and Th2-related chemokines in monocytes remain poorly defined. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of dipyrone and 2,5-dimethylcelecoxib on the expression of Th1 (IP-10) and Th2 (I-309 and MDC) and TNF-α in human monocytes and the associated intracellular mechanism. methods: THP-1 cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were pre-treated with dipyrone (10-9 – 10-4 M) and 2,5-dimethylcelecoxib (10-9 – 10-5 M) 2 h before lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Cell supernatant was collected 24 h after LPS stimulation. TNF-α, I-309, MDC and IP-10 concentrations of cell supernatants were determined using ELISA. Intracellular signaling was evaluated by western blot. results: Dipyrone and 2,5-dimethylcelecoxib downregulated LPS-induced Th2-related chemokine I-309 and macrophage derived chemokine (MDC) production. Only high dose of 2,5-dimethylcelecoxib (10-5 M), but not dipyrone downregulated LPS-induced IP-10. Only very high dose of 2,5-dimethylcelecoxib had effect on LPS-induced TNF-α expression in PBMCs. Dipyrone and 2,5-dimethylcelecoxib suppressed LPS-induced p65 and JNK MAPK (C-Jun N-terminal kinase mitogen activated protein kinase). expression. Interpretation & conclusions: Dipyrone and 2,5-dimethylcelecoxib downregulated LPS-induced Th2-related chemokine I-309 and MDC in THP-1 cells. The suppressive effect on Th2-related

The levels of serum monocyte chemoattractant protein 4, macrophage derived chemokine (MDC) and cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) in children with mycoplasma pneumonia / 临床儿科杂志

Objective To investigate the levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein 4 (MCP-4), macrophage derived chemokine (MDC) and cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) in serum of children with mycoplasma pneumonia (MP). Methods Serum levels of MCP-4, MDC and CysLTs measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay were analyzed in 60 children with MP including 36 children with wheezing (MP wheezing group) and 24 children without wheezing (MP non-wheezing group), 30 children with pneumonia but not infected with mycoplasma pneumonia (NMP group), 35 children with acute asthma exacerbation (asthma group), and 25 health children (control group). Results Serum levels of MCP-4, CysLTs and MDC were found markedly elevated in asthma group. The serum levels of MCP-4 and MDC showed signiifcant difference between each of the groups (all P0.05). As for serum level of CysLTs, no signiifcant differences were found between asthma group and MP wheezing group, NMP group and MP-non-wheezing group (all P>0.05). The serum levels of MCP-4, MCD and CysLTs in children with MP were positively correlated with one another. Conclusions MCP-4, MDC and CysLTs play important roles in pathogenesis of MP and are the major causes of wheezing in MP.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Quercetagetin, an Active Component of Immature Citrus unshiu, in HaCaT Human Keratinocytes

Citrus fruit contain various flavonoids that have multiple biological activities. However, the content of these flavonoids are changed during maturation and immature Citrus is known to contain larger amounts than mature. Chemokines are significant mediators for cell migration, while thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC/CCL17) and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC/CCL22) are well known as the typical inflammatory chemokines in atopic dermatitis (AD), a pruritic and chronic inflammatory skin disease. We reported recently that the EtOH extract of immature Citrus unshiu inhibits TARC and MDC production. Therefore, we investigated the activity of flavonoids contained in immature Citrus on TARC and MDC levels. As a result, among the various flavonoids, quercetagetin has stronger inhibitory effects on the protein and mRNA expression of TARC and MDC than other flavonoids. Quercetagetin particularly has better activity on TARC and MDC level than quercetin. In HPLC analysis, the standard peak of quercetagetin matches the peaks of extract of immature C. unshiu. This suggests that quercetagetin is an anti-inflammatory component in immature C. unshiu.

Congenital muscular dystrophy. Part II: a review of pathogenesis and therapeutic perspectives / Distrofia muscular congênita. Parte II: revisão da patogênese e perspectivas terapêuticas

The congenital muscular dystrophies (CMDs) are a group of genetically and clinically heterogeneous hereditary myopathies with preferentially autosomal recessive inheritance, that are characterized by congenital hypotonia, delayed motor development and early onset of progressive muscle weakness associated with dystrophic pattern on muscle biopsy. The clinical course is broadly variable and can comprise the involvement of the brain and eyes. From 1994, a great development in the knowledge of the molecular basis has occurred and the classification of CMDs has to be continuously up dated. In the last number of this journal, we presented the main clinical and diagnostic data concerning the different subtypes of CMD. In this second part of the review, we analyse the main reports from the literature concerning the pathogenesis and the therapeutic perspectives of the most common subtypes of CMD: MDC1A with merosin deficiency, collagen VI related CMDs (Ullrich and Bethlem), CMDs with abnormal glycosylation of alpha-dystroglycan (Fukuyama CMD, Muscle-eye-brain disease, Walker Warburg syndrome, MDC1C, MDC1D), and rigid spine syndrome, another much rare subtype of CMDs not related with the dystrophin/glycoproteins/extracellular matrix complex.

As distrofias musculares congênitas (DMCs) são miopatias hereditárias geralmente, porém não exclusivamente, de herança autossômica recessiva, que apresentam grande heterogeneidade genética e clínica. São caracterizadas por hipotonia muscular congênita, atraso do desenvolvimento motor e fraqueza muscular de início precoce associada a padrão distrófico na biópsia muscular. O quadro clínico, de gravidade variável, pode também incluir anormalidades oculares e do sistema nervoso central. A partir de 1994, os conhecimentos sobre genética e biologia molecular das DMCs progrediram rapidamente, sendo a classificação continuamente atualizada. Os aspectos clínicos e diagnósticos dos principais subtipos de DMC foram apresentados no número anterior deste periódico, como primeira parte desta revisão. Nesta segunda parte apresentaremos os principais mecanismos patogênicos e as perspectivas terapêuticas dos subtipos mais comuns de DMC: DMC tipo 1A com deficiência de merosina, DMCs relacionadas com alterações do colágeno VI (Ullrich e Bethlem), e DMCs com anormalidades de glicosilação da alfa-distroglicana (DMC Fukuyama, DMC "Muscle-eye-brain" ou MEB, síndrome de Walker Warburg, DMC tipo 1C, DMC tipo 1D). A DMC com espinha rígida, mais rara e não relacionada com alterações do complexo distrofina-glicoproteínas associadas-matriz extracelular também será abordada quanto aos mesmos aspectos patogênicos e terapêuticos.

Congenital muscular dystrophy: part I: a review of phenotypical and diagnostic aspects / Distrofia muscular congênita: parte I: revisão dos aspectos fenotípicos e diagnósticos

The congenital muscular dystrophies (CMDs) are a group of genetically and clinically heterogeneous hereditary myopathies with preferentially autosomal recessive inheritance, that are characterized by congenital hypotonia, delayed motor development and early onset of progressive muscle weakness associated with dystrophic pattern on muscle biopsy. The clinical course is broadly variable and can comprise the involvement of the brain and eyes. From 1994, a great development in the knowledge of the molecular basis has occurred and the classification of CMDs has to be continuously up dated. We initially present the main clinical and diagnostic data concerning the CMDs related to changes in the complex dystrophin-associated glycoproteins-extracellular matrix: CMD with merosin deficiency (CMD1A), collagen VI related CMDs (Ullrich CMD and Bethlem myopathy), CMDs with abnormal glycosylation of alpha-dystroglycan (Fukuyama CMD, Muscle-eye-brain disease, Walker-Warburg syndrome, CMD1C, CMD1D), and the much rarer CMD with integrin deficiency. Finally, we present other forms of CMDs not related with the dystrophin/glycoproteins/extracellular matrix complex (rigid spine syndrome, CMD1B, CMD with lamin A/C deficiency), and some apparently specific clinical forms not yet associated with a known molecular mechanism. The second part of this review concerning the pathogenesis and therapeutic perspectives of the different subtypes of CMD will be described in a next number.

As distrofias musculares congênitas (DMCs) são miopatias hereditárias geralmente, porém não exclusivamente, de herança autossômica recessiva, que apresentam grande heterogeneidade genética e clínica. São caracterizadas por hipotonia muscular congênita, atraso do desenvolvimento motor e fraqueza muscular de início precoce associada a padrão distrófico na biópsia muscular. O quadro clínico, de gravidade variável, pode também incluir anormalidades oculares e do sistema nervoso central. A partir de 1994, os conhecimentos sobre genética e biologia molecular das DMCs progrediram rapidamente, sendo a classificação continuamente atualizada. Nesta revisão apresentaremos os principais aspectos clínicos e diagnósticos dos subtipos mais comuns de DMC associados com alterações do complexo distrofina-glicoproteínas associadas-matriz extracelular que são DMC com deficiência de merosina (DMC tipo 1A), DMCs relacionadas com alterações do colágeno VI (DMC tipo Ullrich e miopatia de Bethlem), DMCs com anormalidades de gliocosilação da alfa-distroglicana (DMC Fukuyama, DMC "Muscle-eye-brain" ou MEB, síndrome de Walker-Warburg, DMC tipo 1C, DMC tipo 1D), além da raríssima DMC com deficiência de integrina. Outras formas mais raras de DMC, não relacionadas com o complexo distrofina-glicoproteínas associadas-matriz extracelular também serão apresentadas (DMC com espinha rígida, DMC tipo 1B, DMC com deficiência de lamina A/C) e, finalmente, algumas formas clínicas com fenótipo aparentemente específico que ainda não estão associadas com um defeito molecular definido. A patogenia e as perspectivas terapêuticas dos principais subtipos de DMC serão apresentados em um próximo número, na segunda parte desta revisão.

Serum Levels of Type 2 Chemokines in Lepromatous Leprosy Patients

BACKGROUND: The type 2 deviated immunological state is predominant in lepromatous leprosy. Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is an immune-complex mediated reaction that typically occurs in lepromatous leprosy. To date, the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-2 receptor, IL-10, IL-1beta, IL-1 receptor antagonist and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were reported to be higher in lepromatous leprosy. TNF-alpha is also known to be higher in ENL, which is reduced after thalidomide treatment. However the serum type 2 chemokine levels in lepromatous leprosy patients have not been reported. METHODS: The serum levels of the type 2 chemokines such as thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) and eotaxin together with IL-12 and IL-10 in the sera from leprosy patients were detected using an enzyme-linked solvent assay (ELISA) method. RESULTS: The Serum TARC, MDC, eotaxin, IL-10 and IL-12 levels in lepromatous leprosy patients were not significantly different from the normal control levels. The serum levels were not significantly different between the paucibacillary group and multibacillary group. The serum TARC or MDC levels in the ENL patients were more reduced after a treatment containing thalidomide. CONCLUSION: The type 2 chemokines are not related to the severity of lepromatous leprosy. The larger reducing effect of the TARC or MDC levels in ENL patients by a treatment containing thalidomide suggests the potential role of these chemokines in the development of ENL and the therapeutic mechanism of thalidomide.